London schools and colleges are driving social mobility

For the first time the number of London students in higher education whose parents did not go to university, 28,357, has overtaken those whose parents did go to university, 27,633 – research commissioned by London Councils can reveal.

In its fifth year, the Higher Education Journey of Young London Residents report, produced by London Councils, Newham Council and the University of East London, focuses on the impact of higher education on social mobility.

The report maps the course young London residents aged 18-24 take after they complete formal education, and this year it shows that young Londoners progressing to university are from a wider range of socio-economic backgrounds – 40 per cent of entrants are from some of the most deprived postcodes in England.

There has also been a 14 per cent increase in participation among BAME students on average since last year’s figures. However the gender gap among university entrants in 2015/16 has continued to grow; with 45.8 per cent male and 54.1 per cent female in London. In 2014/15, 46.7 per cent of university entrants were male and 53.3 per cent female.

Higher education participation in London rose to its highest ever level in 2015/16, surpassing the previous peak in 2009/10, which was before the introduction of the first tuition fees increase. This pattern of increased participation is also reflected at borough level across the capital.

The Higher Education Journey of Young London Residents reportwas commissioned by London Councils and conducted by Professor John Storan and Gary Tindell BSc, MBPsS from University of East London; and Sheila Weeden MBA MEd from London Borough of Newham